Proverbs 26:19

19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”

Proverbs 26:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:19

So [is] the man [that] deceiveth his neighbour
By telling him a lie; or by reporting false things concerning him; or by cheating him in trade and commerce; or by taking his goods privately from him; and, when caught in either of these, and saith, Am not I in sport?
do not be angry, I designed no hurt; it is all in jest, a mere joke: but, had he not been apprehended, it would have been in earnest, as he was. This is only an excuse, and as absurd an one as if a man should set fire to his neighbour's house and barns, or throw arrows at him, or strike him with any instrument of death, as the sword and then say he was only in jest, or pretend madness.

Proverbs 26:19 In-Context

17 Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

18 Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon

19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”

20 Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.